Archaeological Technician

The Opportunity:

etra Tech is seeking an Archaeological Technician to support cultural resource management and environmental compliance projects throughout Puerto Rico. In this role, you will assist with archaeological field investigations, historic resource identification, cultural resource documentation, and environmental permitting activities that support infrastructure, environmental, and community development projects.

Working alongside experienced archaeologists, environmental professionals, and regulatory agencies, you will contribute to projects requiring compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Section 106, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and applicable Commonwealth of Puerto Rico environmental and historic preservation requirements.

Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

As an Archaeological Technician, your work will help protect Puerto Rico's cultural and historic resources while supporting responsible infrastructure development and environmental stewardship. Your contributions will ensure projects comply with federal and Commonwealth regulations while preserving important archaeological and historical resources for future generations.

Position Summary:

The Archaeological Technician provides field and technical support for cultural resource management and environmental compliance projects. Responsibilities include conducting archaeological surveys and monitoring activities, documenting cultural resources, preparing technical reports, supporting Section 106 compliance efforts, and coordinating with project teams and regulatory agencies, including the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

This position works closely with Secretary of the Interior (SOI)-qualified professionals, environmental specialists, engineers, and project managers to support environmental reviews and permitting activities for a variety of public and private sector projects.

Essential Job Functions: 

The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Conduct archaeological field surveys, monitoring activities, pedestrian surveys, shovel testing, and test excavations in accordance with project requirements and professional standards.
• Identify, document, and record archaeological sites, cultural resources, artifacts, and field observations using digital field collection tools.
• Assist with archaeological monitoring during construction and other ground-disturbing activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Prepare archaeological descriptions, technical reports, field documentation, and supporting materials for cultural resource management projects.
• Support the preparation of Section 106 documentation, Historic Resource Survey Reports, Assessments of Effects, and other cultural resource compliance documents.
• Assist with environmental review activities supporting NEPA and other federal, Commonwealth, and local environmental compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with SOI-qualified archaeologists, project managers, environmental specialists, and regulatory agencies, including the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
• Organize, maintain, and manage field records, digital documentation, photographs, and project files.
• Utilize field tablets, GIS applications, and other digital tools to collect, manage, and report project information.
• Support field team coordination and maintain effective communication with project managers, supervisors, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Complete project documentation, time reporting, expense reporting, and other administrative requirements in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Working knowledge of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), including Section 106, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and related federal and Commonwealth cultural resource regulations.
• Experience conducting archaeological field surveys, pedestrian surveys, shovel testing, archaeological monitoring, and documenting field observations.
• Ability to identify and document cultural resources and archaeological materials from a variety of cultural periods.
• Experience preparing field documentation and technical reports using digital data collection methods.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary field environments.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Must reside in Puerto Rico.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) or more years of professional experience in cultural resource management (CRM).
• Experience preparing archaeological descriptions, historic contexts, Historic Resource Survey Reports, Assessments of Effects, and preservation planning documents.
• Experience coordinating with the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and other regulatory agencies.
• Familiarity with Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Standards and Guidelines.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Online, Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, and digital field data collection applications.
• Experience supporting federally funded infrastructure, transportation, environmental, or disaster recovery projects.

Physical Requirements:

The employee must be able to conduct field investigations in remote or undeveloped locations, including walking over uneven terrain, hiking, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 35 pounds, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Work Environment / Environmental Factors: 

This is a remote position based in Puerto Rico with periodic travel throughout the island to support archaeological surveys, monitoring activities, field investigations, and project meetings.

Compensation:

The anticipated salary range for this position is $50,000–$55,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, certifications, and internal equity.

Additional Information:

• Employment Type: Full-time

   

• Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8AM–5PM (no expected overtime)

   

• Travel Requirements: 5%–10% (for archaeological monitoring activities)

   

• Work Location: Puerto Rico